Evolutionary Biology and Natural Selection Quiz

Explore key concepts like natural selection, adaptation, and coevolution with these challenging questions on evolutionary biology.

Practice Learn Test

Which scientist is credited with proposing the theory of natural selection?

Charles Darwin

Gregor Mendel

Louis Pasteur

Alfred Russel Wallace

What is a homologous structure?

A structure that serves the same function in different species

A structure that serves different functions in different species

A structure that is vestigial

A structure that is similar in different species due to common ancestry

What is the difference between homology and analogy in evolutionary biology?

Homology refers to similarities due to common ancestry, while analogy refers to similarities due to convergent evolution

Homology refers to similarities between different species, while analogy refers to similarities within the same species

Homology always involves similar functions, while analogy does not

Homology always involves the same structures, while analogy involves different structures

What is the importance of the fossil record in studying evolution?

It provides evidence for the inheritance of acquired traits

It provides a record of past life forms and the history of evolution

It demonstrates the process of artificial selection

It shows the role of genetic drift in speciation

What is the primary driving force behind evolution?

Mutation

Natural selection

Genetic drift

Gene flow

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Wings of bats and birds

Fins of fish and dolphins

Eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods

Color patterns in different butterfly species

What is the role of mutations in the process of evolution?

Mutations are always beneficial and increase fitness

Mutations are always harmful and decrease fitness

Mutations provide the raw material for natural selection

Mutations are the result of natural selection

Which of the following is an example of an adaptation?

A fish swimming in water

A bird migrating south for the winter

A flower opening in response to sunlight

A lizard changing color to blend with its surroundings

Which of the following is an example of coevolution?

Predator and prey relationships

Competition between plant species

Parasitic relationships between species

Mutualistic relationships between species

#10

What is the founder effect in evolutionary biology?

A form of genetic drift

A type of natural selection

A method for gene editing

A mechanism for genetic recombination

#11

How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?

Sexual selection only affects males

Sexual selection is random

Sexual selection is based on traits that increase mating success

Sexual selection is not influenced by genetic variation

#12

What is the relationship between evolution and species diversity?

Evolution always leads to an increase in species diversity

Evolution always leads to a decrease in species diversity

Evolution can lead to both an increase and a decrease in species diversity

Evolution has no effect on species diversity

#13

How does the process of artificial selection differ from natural selection?

Artificial selection is random

Artificial selection is slower than natural selection

Artificial selection is guided by human choice

Artificial selection does not lead to genetic change

#14

What is the bottleneck effect in evolutionary biology?